FIRST AND SECOND GRADE: 6 to 8 Years

At this stage your child is learning about the meaning of stories, pictures, words and language. You might notice your child pointing to each word on the page while she reads aloud. One of your goals as parent is to provide your child opportunities to read a variety of books and help him read and write with greater ease and confidence. Correct his errors only when he asks for help. This will help your child become a smarter, more independent reader and writer who is willing to take risks.

Praise your child's attempts, When your child makes guesses while reading, she is telling you what she is paying attention to. Your child is using her own system to figure out what the story means. If you have any concerns about what your child does not know, share them with the teacher.

Milestones:

Your first-second grader should:

• Enjoy reading familiar, fiction and nonfiction for interest and information.
• Read and retell this story in his own words.
• Write his own history about topics that means something to them.
• Show signs of a growing vocabulary.
• Attempt to use some punctuation and capitalization in writing.

We work with this:

• Read nonfiction books on topics that interest your child like animals, history, etc.
• Invite your child to share what she is reading and leaning in school.
• Help your child write to relative who lives in a different city or country.
• Become involved in school activities, this lets your child know you value education.
• Encourage your child to keep a journal.
• Read for information. Reading maps, graphs, and the bus schedule are important life skills.

Books:

• Try poem books that stir emotions.
• Books that will challenge but not frustrate your child.
• Stories that develop strong characters and memorable plots.
• Clear and easy-to-read text, usually the print gets smaller as the books become more difficult.
• Favorite characters, authors and illustrators that your child has previously enjoyed.
• Books that paint a realistic view of the world and stress growing up themes.